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See a sample rate comparisonCPT 88185 Fee Schedule
Last Verified: September 2026
Healthcare providers use this code to document and receive reimbursement for visits that address moderate-level medical decision-making, often including multiple diagnoses or prescription management.
Mark Finding In Cell Study, Flow Cytometry Examines Cells Within A Stream Of Fluid. The Technique Uses Light Emissions To Collect Information. This Is Useful In Detecting Specific Disease Characteristics.
| Key Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Service Type | Pathology and Laboratory Procedures Cytopathology Procedures |
| Common Place of Service | 81 - Independent Laboratory 11 - Office |
| Common Modifiers | None 91 - Repeat Lab Test 59 - Distinct Procedural Service |
| Complexity Level | Low |
| Medicare Fee Schedule | View Medicare rates for 88185 |
| Medicaid Fee Schedule | View Medicaid rates for 88185 |
National average reimbursement for CPT 88185 by major payers:
$32.94
$26.20
$32.74
$58.89
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CPT 88185
5 of 25 sample ratesHigher to lower in this preview
Luis Acosta
$91.54Published rateVijay Bhaskar Gayam
$28.36Published rateEsmail Elwazir
Texas Digestive Disease Consultants
$24.78Published rateMuhammad Ahmad
Christus Trinity Clinic
$22.37Published rateJermaine Clarke
North Texas Gastroenterology Associates PLLC
$13.43Published rate
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See a sample payer proposalCPT 88185 vs. Other Cytopathology Procedures Codes
The CPT 88185 code is part of the Pathology and Laboratory Procedures services used for Cytopathology Procedures. It represents a moderate-complexity encounter and is one of several codes that vary based on time spent, level of medical decision-making, and documentation requirements.
The CPT 88185 code involves more provider time and moderate medical decision-making, unlike lower-level codes that require less time and simpler assessments. It typically includes multiple diagnoses, medication management, or test interpretation, leading to higher reimbursement and more detailed documentation requirements.
| Code | Complexity | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 88182-CPT | Low | Cell Study Using Fluid, Flow Cytometry Counts Examines And Sorts Cells Within A Stream Of Fluid. The Technique Measures Visible And Fluorescent Light To Collect Information. |
| 88184-CPT | Low | Mark Finding In Cell Study, Flow Cytometry Examines Cells Within A Stream Of Fluid. The Technique Uses Light Emissions To Collect Information. This Is Useful In Detecting Specific Disease Characteristics. |
| 88185-CPT | Low | Mark Finding In Cell Study, Flow Cytometry Examines Cells Within A Stream Of Fluid. The Technique Uses Light Emissions To Collect Information. This Is Useful In Detecting Specific Disease Characteristics. |
| 88187-CPT | Low | Doctors Analysis Of Study, Physician Interpretation Of Flow Cytometry. Flow Cytometry Detects Specific Disease Characteristics By Marking Cell Components With Fluorescent Dye And Examining Their Light Emissions Within A Stream Of Fluid. |
What is a fee schedule?
A fee schedule is a list of fixed prices that healthcare providers charge for specific services, including CPT 88185. These prices vary depending on payer type (Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance), geographic location, and provider contracts.
Understanding the 88185 fee schedule helps patients estimate costs and providers optimize billing for accurate reimbursements.
Factors that affect fee schedules
Medicare & Medicaid Rates
Government-set reimbursement amounts
Private Insurance Rates
Negotiated rates between providers and insurance companies
Geographic Location
Costs may be higher in urban areas.
Provider Type
Hospital providers may have different rates than private practice.
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